Revolutionizing Manufacturing with Virtual Reality And Augmented Reality

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, October 10, 2016: The manufacturing sector has undergone dynamic change, with global manufacturers encouraging innovation. In the integration of digitalization and adoption of new technologies lies the future of manufacturing. In this context, Dr. Rab Scott, Head of Virtual Reality and Modelling Group, Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) with Boeing will deliver a case study presentation at the GCC Manufacturing Excellence and Technology Summit 2016 that will be held on 14-15 November 2016 at Sofitel Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa.

His presentation will focus on exploring the potential of virtual reality and augmented reality in manufacturing. Before his session at the summit, Dr. Rab Scott discusses the importance of integrating virtual reality and augmented reality in manufacturing processes. 

1. Could you please elaborate a bit on your work within AMRC with Boeing?

The AMRC with Boeing is a research centre which is part of the University of Sheffield and which has nearly 100 industrial partners ranging from Boeing and Rolls-Royce to local SMEs. It was established in 2001 with 8 people - I was one of those 8! Currently I am Head of Virtual Reality and Simulation and also Digital Theme Lead. As such, I work with companies on projects using Virtual and Augments Reality and incorporating the "digital thread". By this I mean the integration of cyber-physical systems into what is known as a "digital twin"002E. 

2. According to you, what would be the key advantage of incorporating virtual reality in manufacturing processes?

The advantage of using virtual reality in manufacturing is the ability to firstly "try before you buy" - the ability to test scenarios, designs and factory or facility layouts before implementing them physically means that you can "fail faster" but fail virtually - therefore reducing risk, cost and time.

3. Modeling, Simulation, and Visualization are critical technologies. Please share briefly about a project where visualization tools/ technologies has provided increased value

An example of where the use of advanced visualization has increased value has been in the area of new facility design and layout. One company with whom we have worked, wanted to build a new facility for manufacturing. By using a combination of simulation linked to virtual reality, the company was able to engage multiple stakeholder groups in the same audience. By doing this, it created discussion which identified a number of design issues that were resolved in the virtual world before the construction had started.

Another example is where a company had designed a product but wanted to evaluate the design for manufacturability. They were able to get immersed in the digital mockup of the product, identify areas which would have been very challenging to manufacture and change the assembly process to aid access.

4. What will you be presenting at the GCC Manufacturing Excellence & Technology Summit 2016

I will be presenting an overview of the history and culture behind one of the UK's leading manufacturing research centres and a few case studies on how VR and AR have provided value for our partners.

5.    What will be the key takeaway for attendees from your presentation?

The key takeaway will be that the digital world can provide value throughout a product's lifecycle and that failure *is* an option, as long as it is done virtually!

Hear Dr. Rab Scott speak at length at the GCC Manufacturing Excellence and Technology Summit 2016. The summit is scheduled to take place on 14-15 November 2016 at Sofitel Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa. More information on the summit is available at http://www.gccmanufacturing.com/. Follow the Summit on social media with the hashtag # GMETS2016.

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